Mohammed Rafique was carried off the field with a broken nose as Bangladesh suffered an ignominious 8-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the second match of the Croco Motors ODI Series at the Harare Sports Club today (Tuesday).

Rafique was hurt when he collided with Zimbabwe’s top-scorer Vusi Sibanda (93 not out) in his follow-through. The impact left the veteran Bangladesh spinner bleeding from the nose and he was immediately taken to a hospital for X-ray, according to team management sources.

The loss ended Bangladesh’s 8-game winning streak against the home side. Batting first Bangladesh never recovered from the dismissals of openers Shahriar Nafees Ahmed and Mehrab Hossain (Jr.) with just 5 on the board. Rafique’s innings of 40 and a gritty 27 from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim just about enabled the Tigers to cross 150 (153 in 46 overs) on a reportedly placid wicket.

Zimbabwe were never in any hurry but Bangladesh lost a golden opportunity to put some early pressure when Terrence Duffin (34) on zero was dropped by Mehrab in Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s opening over. Zimbabwe reached home in 35.2 overs. The teams now head for back to back games on February 9 and 10.